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The Lord Nelson

I walked through the door expecting to see a stuffy old steak house, but was pleasantly surprised to see a modish interior. Once at my table, the waiter brought over a basket of garlic bread, along with pickles, chicken pate and kalamata olives. I find these pre-appetizer snacks common at traditional steak restaurants. The chicken liver pate was creamy, with just the right amount of grainy earthiness and seasoning. The garlic bread had a parmesan cheese crust that tasted like it came right out of the supermarket. Next came lightly battered, pan-fried calamari served with the chefs secret sauce (I’m thinking, pickles, shallots, mustard, honey and a little mayo) not bad. The calamari was piping hot, crisp bite sized pieces didn’t need dipping, they shined on their own, melting in your mouth. The waiter prepares my caesar salad table-side. A whole egg, Tabasco, Worcestershire sauce, anchovies, dry mustard, lemon juice, and olive oil mix to smother crisp romaine lettuce, finished with parmesan cheese and croutons. The salad tastes tangy, sour and a bit over-dressed. I had the last seating of the night and felt rushed into ordering my entrees, apparently the kitchen was closing. My phone read nine-thirty, this is ridiculous. I scanned the menu and decided on Alaskan king crab legs with a side of onion rings and chicken parmesan with linguine, in tomato sauce. Let’s start with the crab meat being faint pink in colour and had a saw-dust like texture . It was not completely tasteless, but I could tell it was old; maybe fished out from the bottom of the freezer, being market priced I expect a bit more. I can always count on the chicken parmesan to never let me down. Moist and tender, in a crunchy baked parmesan crust, resplendent.

Drink

Lord Nelson has been the recipient of the wine spectator award from 2005 to 2010. The wine cellar is spectacular, with glass walls that wrap around the bar area and private dining room. So many great bottles to choose from the only problem is finding which bottle to choose. The wine by the glass list could use a little love and a larger selection. If spirits are your fancy the bar is always welcoming and comfortable. A place where everyone knows your name

Lord Nelson might look modern inside but the service needs a renovation. I know they work long hours and everyone wants to get home, but you can’t rush great food or customers.